Both clubs currently sit on top of La Liga after accumulating 49 points, with Barcelona holding a narrow goal difference advantage over the Atleti. Each team is on course to amass over 100 points in the Spanish Primera Division and have advanced to the Last 16 of the Champions League as their respective group winners; the Atleti are one of only three teams to go through the group stages undefeated.
Atletico's top stars include Juanfran, Diego Costa, David Villa, Koke, Diego Godin and Arda Turan. Meanwhile, Barcelona's lineup boasts a plethora of superstars including Lionel Messi, Neymar, Pedro Rodriguez, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Carles Puyol, Alexis Sanchez, and Cesc Fabregas among others.
Despite this disparity in star players, both teams are locked in a battle for first place in the Spanish League. Both teams have identical records of 16 wins, one draw and one loss. However, that is slated to change on Saturday when the two sides face off for the first time in the Spanish League this season. The two teams battled for the Spanish Super Cup earlier this year and wound up tying both games. The opening leg ended 1-1 with goals from Neymar and Villa while the return leg in Barcelona ended 0-0. This game will be played in Madrid where Los Colchoneros have been dominant. The team has nine wins in nine games and has scored 33 times at home while only conceded six goals.